WIREDGOV

A new service to help social enterprises and SMEs across Wales to develop their own renewable energy schemes will be launched by Natural Resources Minister Carl Sargeant today.

The Welsh Government Local Energy Programme will support small and medium scale renewable energy projects and will be delivered by the Energy Saving Trust (EST), working in partnership with Ricardo Energy & Environment, Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Pure Leapfrog.

As well as providing a range of technical advice and support, the team will work with communities and businesses throughout their projects’ lifecycles from assessing financial viability to connecting projects with appropriate lenders in construction finance.

Carl Sargeant said:

“Between 2012 and 2014 the total capacity of renewable energy installed in Wales has grown by 84% and I am keen to see local communities and businesses benefit from this transition.

“Small organisations and communities with renewable energy ambitions often struggle to achieve their goals due to the range of specialist legal, technical and administrative skills required during planning and development.

“This programme will provide the support needed to help communities identify and overcome gaps in capacity.”

Duncan McCombie, Director of Operations for the Energy Saving Trust said:

“The Energy Saving Trust is committed to community energy and supporting local organisations to make best use of the financial and social benefits in their communities. We have a strong track record of supporting locally-based renewable generation schemes and look forward to working with our partners across Wales.

“We are keen to reach community groups and businesses who would like to understand the opportunities that energy generation may bring, and will continue to support groups across Wales to successfully complete their viable schemes.

“In the context of a challenging policy landscape across the UK, the Welsh Government’s commitment to community energy will help Wales lead the way.”

The Minister launched the new programme on a visit to the Taff Bargoed Project – an example of the type of project that the new service will support.

The Friends of Taff Bargoed project is a wholly community owned 100kw hydro scheme in an area of social deprivation.  The scheme is nearing completion and has received Welsh Government support of start-up grants, development officer support and project management resource.